Dessie and Dunwoody reunited
Three-times champion jockey Richard Dunwoody, who rode 1,699 winners in his career, will be reunited with the public’s favourite chaser, Desert Orchid, at Kempton Park on Boxing Day.
In Richard’s final public appearance in the saddle, he and Dessie will take part in the pre-2003 Pertemps King George VI Chase parade. The famous pair will gallop up the home straight in front of the packed stands, prior to the feature race of the two-day festival.
Richard partnered the brilliant grey in two of his four King George victories, as well as bringing One Man home ahead twice. Dessie’s amazing record also included wins in the Cheltenham Gold Cup and Irish Grand National.
Dessie’s impressive performances and eye-catching colour made him a favourite with the racing public during an amazing 10-year career, which saw him win more than half a million pounds in prize-money.
The only major national hunt race that he didn’t claim was the Grand National because his owners refused to risk him around Aintree’s demanding course.
Richard says: “Desert Orchid is always a standing dish on Boxing Day at Kempton Park. His four victories in the King George have made his name synonymous with the King George and I look forward to riding him once again.”
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Carol is an experienced journalist and editor, who is also a passionate amateur rider and dedicated horse owner, having ridden since childhood. She has a particular interest in the emotional well-being and ethical training of horses, alongside veterinary matters, having garnered extensive first-hand experience of numerous equine health conditions through more than 30 years of horse ownership.